Dad’s Garage’s Kevin Gillese and Lara Smith talk all things funny
It’s a battle of the sexes! Well, not really. Kevin Gillese, artistic director, and Lara Smith, managing director, at Dad’s Garage joined forces for this he said/she said interview about all things humor. Check out my interview with them below, where they talked the male/female comedian ratio, fighting stage fright and who they’d bone in the world of funny.
Q. Both of your resumes, for both sides of the theater world, are filled with diverse opportunities. What was the draw when it came to working with comedy?
KG. I’ve always wanted to work in comedy, ever since I first discovered improv as a teenager in Canada. There’s just an undeniable sense of joy that surrounds a laughing crowd and to be able to contribute to that feels like a real tangible positive that you’re putting out into the world. Plus it’s fun, it’s super fun. There’s also a nice contrast between comedy and the majority of other artistic pursuits in that there is a black and white aspect to it. What I mean is: all art is subjective, you can debate for hours if a poem was powerful or a play was cathartic or whatever, but the audience will tell you in the moment if something is funny. There’s really no debate, if you hear the laughs then you know you’re succeeding, if there’s crickets then you’ve got a problem. In my brain there’s something nice about that built in measuring stick, it makes the art a bit more like science, but in a fun way.
LS. I actually used to be a theatre snob–didn’t think there was a place for musicals and certainly not for comedy. When I was in college in St. Louis, I did an internship at the Alliance here in Atlanta. I started seeing things at Dad’s Garage and just fell in love. I started seeing every single show and jumping at the chance to help them out. Dad’s Garage has always said they are the gateway drug to theatre and that’s what I love about the company so much. We’re constantly introducing new people to the art form. Plus, who doesn’t love a good laugh?
Q. Dad’s Garage has essentially made comedy its bitch by taking on improv shows ranging from long to short form, as well as scripted original works. What is the main force behind each of your minds when putting something new on stage? And what is your biggest worry opening night?
KG. Whenever I’m working on a new script (either my own, or if I’m offering feedback and guidance to one of our many writers) I always ask myself: is it funny? There are a million other questions, of course, like: is it engaging? Is it interesting? Are the character voices distinct? Is it unique? Is it on brand? Does is have a satisfying narrative? Is it written in a way that can be produced? Can we cast these parts from our talent pool? But I’ve found that everything seems to fall into line if it’s genuinely funny. If I’m just reading the script, and I laugh out loud, then I know we’re gonna be okay. Opening nights I tend to pace in the lobby listening to the sound of the audience reacting to the show, my biggest worry is probably that there will be canyons of silence and everyone in Atlanta will realize I’m a total fraud and I’ll have to find a new job as a golf caddy or something.
LS. My job here as Managing Director is supporting the vision of our artists. When we look at doing something new, I think about how it will further our mission–how does it challenge our artists and help them express their voice? How does it impact our audience? I love opening nights. I suppose the biggest worry is–how will people react? Not just our patrons, but the company as a whole.
Q. Improv and scripted comedy seem to always have been masculine heavy. Males dominate even the company at Dad’s Garage. What is up with this trend? And do you see it shifting in the ladies direction?
KG. As with many traditionally male dominated fields, it does take time and effort to reverse the historical trends. At my previous company, Rapid Fire Theatre, I was able to enact pretty meaningful change during my time as Artistic Director just by making it a priority. Here at Dad’s Garage I’ve taken some of the same steps and we are starting to see the effort pay off. When I first started at Dad’s Garage 3 years ago, about 11% of our performers were women, now I’m happy to say that we’ve bumped that up to about 28%. Obviously we’ve still got a long way to go before there’s real parity there, but we’re definitely moving in the right direction, and I do think sometimes it can be as simple as saying “this is a priority for this company.”
LS. I’ve been involved with Dad’s Garage now for nearly seven years. It’s been so cool to see the transformation over time–we have so many more ladies on our stage and I think we’ll continue to see that transformation.
Q. Laughing is easy, but producing laughter is hard. What is your best advice to future funny makers? And what is your best recommendation for beating the butterflies, or bubble guts, before taking on this task?
KG. Well the only thing that kills the butterflies is repetition, and sometimes even that doesn’t do it. It’s one of those perils of the profession, like icy roads for arctic truckers – you just have to learn how to become comfortable with it, if you can’t avoid it altogether. As far as advice goes, I’d say the best thing you can do is find a comedy partner. Find that special somebody who you find to be super funny and start working with them regularly. Nobody comes up with 100% gold all the time, and I’ve found that having someone to bounce your jokes off of is absolutely invaluable.
LS. Man, I definitely get butterflies when taking the stage for anything. So yeah, let me know what advice you’ve got. (Good thing I’m only on stage to make announcement!) But honestly, I took three improv classes here. And I would recommend them to anyone–not for performing, but to help with communication and worldview. That’s not answering the question. So, back to it: you have to work for something(s) or someone(s) you believe in. Because it is a lot of work. But super rewarding!
Q. If you could choose one comedic fantasy lover, dead or alive, who would it be?
KG. I mean, if we’re talking like an actual lover then obviously Tina Fey. Anybody that answers anything other than that is clearly insane. But if we’re talking strictly comedy connections here I’d have to go for a threeway with Don Knotts and Gene Wilder, those guys are my everything.
LS. I don’t know if he’s considered comedic, but his comedic roles are definitely my favorite. Paul Rudd, would you be my fantasy lovah? Check here for yes, here for no, or here for maybe.
